Mediterranean smoothie

On the one hand, they contain a boatload of nutritious ingredients and can be prepared in a flash — that’s all great.

But on the other, they tend to lead to rushed breakfasts and mindless eating. I mean, who hasn’t slurped their smoothie in the car or in front of their computer? Not only is mindless eating “un-Mediterranean,” it can also cause digestive upset and make meals less satisfying (and when we’re not satisfied, we tend to want to eat more…).

Nonetheless, I will share my smoothie recipe with you if you promise me you’ll sit down at a table (not a desk or driver’s seat), sip it slowly and savor its flavors, aromas, color, texture. Yes, you can find those 5 minutes!

The reason I’m such a fan of this breakfast — which I myself eat at least twice a week — is that it’s quick and easy to prepare and contains pretty much everything the body needs:

A substantial serving of protein, which keeps you full until lunch and helps stabilize blood glucose levels and mood

It’s versatile, too: You can vary yogurts and kefirs (vegans can use cashew yogurt, for example, and if you’re lactose-intolerant you can use lactose-free kefir and yogurt), fruits (stick to the low-glycemic ones that don’t spike your blood sugar: all berries, peaches and apricots) and fats (I alternate between avocado, almond butter and walnut or olive oil). These are all classically Mediterranean ingredients.

If your mornings are crazy-busy, you can prepare this the night before, pour it into a leak-proof container (Mason jar or protein-shaker bottle), store it in the fridge and grab it on your way out the door the next morning. And if you’re tired and depleted by health issues or other disasters, you’ll love how little energy this recipe takes.

Lastly, did I mention it’s delicious? Creamy, tangy, fruity — a delight for the taste buds. And, unlike so many commercial drinking yogurts, this smoothie is free from artificial colorings and flavorings (unless you count vanilla or almond extracts — which you’re welcome to omit if you prefer), processed ingredients like protein powder (though you can add a little if you need a protein boost) and added sugar. If you’re not used to the tartness of unsweetened yogurt, you can start out by adding a smidgen of maple syrup or non-glycemic sweeteners like stevia or erythritol and wean yourself off them over time.

Mediterranean smoothie

Prep Time: 2minutes

Total Time: 4minutes

Servings (enter desired Qty): 1

Calories: 383kcal

Author: Conner Middelmann

A quick-and-easy drinking yogurt that packs a mighty nutritional punch.